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. 2022 Feb 8;60(1):79-85.
doi: 10.2486/indhealth.2020-0259. Epub 2021 Oct 5.

Work strain and thermophysiological responses in Norwegian fish farming - a field study

Mariann Sandsund  1 , Øystein Wiggen  1 , Ingunn M Holmen  2 , Trine Thorvaldsen  2
Affiliations

Work strain and thermophysiological responses in Norwegian fish farming - a field study

Mariann Sandsund et al. Ind Health. .

Abstract

Fish farming is considered as a physical demanding occupation, including work operations with high workloads and awkward work positions for prolonged periods of time. Combined with potential challenging environmental conditions, these factors may negatively affect work performance, comfort and health. This study aimed to explore work strain and thermophysiological responses in Norwegian fish farming. Fourteen workers (age 35 ± 15 yrs) from four fish farms participated in the field studies, and measurements of heart rate (HR), core- and skin temperatures were registered continuously during a work shift. Questions about subjective thermal sensation and comfort were answered. This study has shown that workers at fish farms are periodically exposed to high or low levels of work strain, where the high workloads are manifested as increased core temperature and HR when working. The results are expected to give a better understanding of work strain and environmental challenges during fish farm operations.

Keywords: Aquaculture; Field measurements; Fish farming; Thermophysiological responses; Work strain.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Continuous recording of heart rate and core temperature for one fish farmer during a six-hour working period. A = rope work and crane handling. B = working with fish/delousing. C = rest. D = rope work. E = crane handling.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Work intensity in per cent of a working day excluding lunch break (mean and SD, n=14).
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Work intensity in per cent of a working day for (A) a 16-year- and (B) a 64-year-old subject (five-hour work period). %Hrmax: Percentage of maximum heart rate.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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